Abstract Title

Author Information

Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?

Undergraduate

individual

Authors' Class Standing

Junior

Lead Presenter's Name

Jonathon Klepatzki

Faculty Mentor Name

Shawn M. Milrad

Abstract

The study of tornado outbreaks has been well documented, however, there has only been a few on Florida tornado outbreaks. This study details the composite dynamic and thermodynamic conditions associated with these events. Consistent with past research, a tornado outbreak was defined as 4 or more tornadoes occurring within a 24-h period during the winter and early spring months (Dec–May) from 1979–2016. December–May was chosen to eliminate tornado outbreaks that were associated with tropical cyclones.

In total, 35 outbreaks were identified using archived severe weather reports. Composites were produced using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR).Initial results show Florida tornado outbreaks are associated with a negatively tilted mid-tropospheric trough (dynamics), moderate CAPE and low LCLs (thermodynamics), strong lower-tropospheric wind shear, and the upper-level divergent exit region of the Polar Front Jet (PFJ).

Did this research project receive funding support (Spark or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?

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Composite Analysis of Cool-Season Florida Tornado Outbreaks

The study of tornado outbreaks has been well documented, however, there has only been a few on Florida tornado outbreaks. This study details the composite dynamic and thermodynamic conditions associated with these events. Consistent with past research, a tornado outbreak was defined as 4 or more tornadoes occurring within a 24-h period during the winter and early spring months (Dec–May) from 1979–2016. December–May was chosen to eliminate tornado outbreaks that were associated with tropical cyclones.

In total, 35 outbreaks were identified using archived severe weather reports. Composites were produced using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR).Initial results show Florida tornado outbreaks are associated with a negatively tilted mid-tropospheric trough (dynamics), moderate CAPE and low LCLs (thermodynamics), strong lower-tropospheric wind shear, and the upper-level divergent exit region of the Polar Front Jet (PFJ).